The Ultimate Comfort Bowl: Sweet Potato and Lentil Stew
There is nothing quite like a hearty, plant-based stew to warm you up from the inside out. This Smoky Sweet Potato and Lentil Stew is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with fiber, protein, and vibrant vegetables.
Whether you are a long-time vegan or just looking for a "Meatless Monday" recipe that actually fills you up, this dish hits the mark. The combination of earthy lentils, naturally sweet potatoes, and a touch of smoked paprika creates a depth of flavor that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours, even though it’s ready in under an hour.
Why You’ll Love This Lentil Stew
- Meal-Prep Friendly: This stew tastes even better the next day as the spices meld together.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples like dry lentils and root vegetables.
- Nutrient-Dense: High in Vitamin A (from the carrots and sweet potatoes) and iron (from the spinach and lentils).
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry lentils soaked for 8 hours if desired
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 1 sweet potato large, peeled and chopped into bite sized pieces
- 2 carrots peeled and sliced into bite sized pieces
- 4 cups vegetable broth (may need up to 6 cups)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic peeled and minced
- 1 cup fresh spinach packed
- 2 tomatoes chopped
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 4 bay leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ¼ cup fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add sliced carrots and saute until slightly golden.
- Add onion and garlic and sauté with the carrot until tender.
- Add chopped tomatoes and bay leaves and saute until tomato is softened and bay leaf is fragrant.
- Add sweet potato and spinach leaves.
- Add soaked lentils.
- Add seasoning and spices—smoked paprika, dried oregano, fresh parsley
- Add 4 cups of vegetable broth. (You can add up to 2 additional cups of broth if the stew becomes too thick)
- Cook the stew for 30–40 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Serve and enjoy!
Expert Tips for the Best Lentil Stew
- Lentil Types: Brown or green lentils work best for this recipe as they hold their shape well. Red lentils will break down more, creating a thicker, porridge-like texture.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Serving Suggestions: This pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty sourdough bread or a side of quinoa.
